Blue Afternoon at Eastlands

Scorer
By Chris O'Brien
January 19 2006

A second-half strike from Ruud Van Nistelrooy proved mere consolation for United as they fell 3-1 at Eastlands. Stuart Pearce's Manchester City had Trevor Sinclair, Darius Vassell and, most unfortunately, Robbie Fowler, to thank for the three points.

Any slim chance of an amazing Premiership revival were seemingly flattened on Saturday as United crashed to fierce rivals Manchester City at Eastlands.

The Red Army were, quite rightly, furious that match officials did not spot offside for both City goals. However, the hosts were better than United throughout and it was not only a dissappointing result, but another poor performance in a game that meant so much to supporters.

United, who under Sir Alex Ferguson have a tremendous derby record, were in a confident mood ahead of kick-off. City's chances of European qualification were severely dented over an awful festive period, whilst the Red Devils were really starting to find form in the Premiership. However, the form book went out of the window and with Chelsea now 16 points clear at the top of the league, the title charge is over.

Patrice Evra made his United debut but the Frenchman failed to make a significant impact as the game opened in a nervy 30 minutes with few chances created. United were enjoying more possession but looked lacklustre in the final third. City took advantage of our lack of creativity on 32 minutes as Sinclair turned home a Stephen Ireland pass after Gary Neville failed to clear a Joey Barton cross.

Seven minutes later and suddenly City had raced into a two-goal lead. Andy Cole, an MUFC legend, flicked the ball on for strike partner Darius Vassell who was calm and composed as he placed a superb finish past a helpless Edwin Van Der Sar. It was real smash and grab stuff from City who were now playing with real confidence, and the home fans revelled in it as the two teams went in at the break.

Chants of 'Stockport' and 'Council House' grew yet fainter with Cristiano Ronaldo dismissed just after the hour and the result now looked beyond doubt. The teenager threw a reckless two-footed challenge at Cole as City gained possession, and though the red card was harsh, it was a foolish tackle from the Portuguese international.

United had threatened little before Ronaldo's dismissal with Wayne Rooney's effort the closest to a way back into the game. However, with a man down the troops rallied and Ruud Van Nistelrooy salvaged some hope with less than a quarter-of-an-hour to go. It was a typical goal from Ruud, turning through the City defence before clinically firing home a Ryan Giggs cross and suddenly belief was back amongst the travelling fans.

As time ticked away, hopes of a shock revival were ended in the last minute. It couldn't have been worse - scouser Robbie Fowler fired past Van Der Sar before taunting a furious away end. Another dissappointing afternoon with Burton Albion up next.

Full Time - Manchester City 3-1 Manchester United
Attendance - 47,192

Manchester City: James, Jihai, Dunne (Onuoha 69), Distin, Jordan, Sinclair, Barton, Ireland, Riera (Musampa 77), Cole (Fowler 77), Vassell.
Substitutes Not Used: Sibierski, Croft.

Manchester United: Van der Sar, Neville, Ferdinand, Silvestre, Evra (Smith 45), Ronaldo, Fletcher (Saha 71), O'Shea (Richardson 86), Giggs, Rooney, van Nistelrooy.
Substitutes Not Used: Howard, Brown.